Our Little Miracle

Olivia's Feet

2011-07-09T16:26:00.006-05:00

Have I ever mentioned my love and fascination for Olivia's feet??? I love this baby more than anything in the world. The only thing I may possibly love more is her feet!!! :o) Thank you Mandie for taking this picture for me. This picture was taken at Fall Creek Falls last weekend. We went camping for 8 days last week and had a blast. Lots of updates and pics to come. Especially next week, someone is turning 5 next week :o)

A Quick Christmas Recap ~ 2010

2010-12-28T16:57:00.019-06:00

All I am going to say about this holiday is that we are truly one blessed family. This Christmas was really special at our house and I will NEVER forget it. I love my life & family and sometimes wonder how in the world I became so lucky or why God chose me to have everything that I do. All I can do now is thank Him with all my heart, and that's just what I do everyday.

On another note, Jason & I have decided to pursue adoption again and/or try to have a child biologically. Please pray for us and God's guidance in this next journey of our lives. I am really nervous. I just feel like I don't have the patience I should with Olivia, let alone another baby, but for some reason we feel like God is leading us in that direction. I hear this is a common worry among mothers though. I hope so. Another thing, I am 36 years old. I am no spring chicken and I have had LOTS of fertiliy issues. We shall see. God can do anything though if that's what He has planned for us. I know Olivia is ready for a brother or sister. We hear about it EVERY SINGLE DAY. We will soon let you know :o)

By the way, I took lots of pictures in some places, and less in others. I am sorry. I was just soooooo tired on Christmas Day from Christmas Eve. Please forgive me. I love you all just the same!! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday!!

Olivia and her cousin Kloe with the bears they got in their stockings at their school Christmas party

Olivia & her class. Instead of bringing presents for each other this year, the kids brought in canned food for the church.

Olivia's cubby at school

Olivia helping me make cupcakes for a Christmas party at my work. (LOWE'S)

Mixing it up

Yup, she did!! She taste tested them before I took them to work. Sorry if you ate one! :o)

Ewwwww, get this off me!!!!!!!!

Waiting on them to get out of the oven

FINALLY! Decorating

The finished product

A picture of the girls at Erica's house getting ready to start cooking the Christmas dinner. Okay, I have to say, my sister Erica is so awesome. She bought all the girls an apron this year to cook in! How sweet. Please notice what mine says!! Where in the world did she get the idea that I am a "drama queen?" Bahahahahaha!!! By the way, not sure if mom & Olivia were ready for the picture... Hahahahaha!!!

Olivia, Rylan & Gracie making some Christmas cupcakes.. Yummo!

Olivia should be getting good at making cupcakes at this at this point...

And a picture of the boys playing the Wii while the ladies are cooking...

Mixing it up

While the cupcakes are baking, a quick lesson in knitting...

Icing the cupcakes.

The girls creations!

BINGO!!

Olivia's cousin Dauson

Bingo again

Olivia's cousin Gracie

Cousin's Rylan & Charlie

Me and Olivia being silly

Two VERY SLEEPY girls..

"London Bridge is falling down"

Poor Rylan. She was such a trooper. Grace and Liv were all over her all night and all day. She loved every minute of it. (I think ;o)

Precious babies: Dauson, Gracie, Olivia, Charlie & Rylan

Anxiously awaiting opening presents: I think Dauson & Charlie were ready. Don't you?

Aunt Kayla & her boyfriend Bo

Olivia opening one of her presents from Erica

Olivia jamming out with Dauson's paperjam's guitar

"Granny Rowland"

Olivia with ANOTHER present ;o)

Olivia opening her doorbell dollhouse from Granny Rowland

Olivia's Nanny (my mom)

Livie opening a present......

and another.....

Olivia & Hayden watching Caillou on Christmas Day.. Can't miss Caillou, not even on Christmas!

So sleepy!!

Olivia being silly with her daddy

Olivia & Uncle Ryan

Ummm, I think Kloe & Olivia fed the baby just "a tad" too much

The Jones family :o)

"Sweet" Memories

2010-12-11T13:52:00.006-06:00

So, there are a couple of things I must put on here so that I don't forget them as Olivia gets older. I have to make sure these go in her book.

Yesterday: (While I'm brushing Olivia's teeth)~ Olivia to Mom~ "Mom, you know what?" Mom to Olivia~ "What Liv?" Olivia to Mom~ "You are REALLY bumpy today, you know that?" (referring to the acne on my face!!!!)

Oh, but it gets better.....

Last week: (While DAD is brushing Olivia's teeth)~ Olivia to Dad~ "Daddy, you know what?" Daddy to Olivia~ "What Liv?" Olivia to Dad~ "You're teeth are really yellow!" (Bahahahahahahaha)
Later that day when Olivia hears daddy telling ME what she said that morning, she tries to make it better and says "Daddy, it's not ALL your teeth, just that one in the front!" Bahahahahahahaaha!!!! You see, he has one of those fake ones in the front (forgot what they are called at the moment) (veneer maybe?)... Sooooo freaking funny.. Needless to say, I was instructed to purchase some Crest Whitestrips at Wal~Mart today... :o) She has so much to say in the mornings while her teeth are being brushed. I love the innocence & honesty!! I hope she NEVER changes.

Our 2010 Christmas Tree

2010-11-28T12:21:00.006-06:00

Hope to do better on posts really soon. We've been remodeling a bathroom and getting used to new schedules at work and just been busy, busy. Hoping everyone's having a wonderful holiday!

Camo Day at School....

2010-09-12T13:45:00.005-05:00

Friday was camo day at school. I am usually prepared for these things, but for some reason hadn't looked at the calender until Thursday last week, only to find that Friday (the next day) was camo day. So, I called Olivia's cousin Hayden (who is 8 months younger than her I might add) and asked if we could borrow some camo clothes. They, of course, said yes, but the britches fell off her tiny hiney!!! :o( So, needless to say, this little camo hat & some green shorts are all I could come up with, but they worked. I bought the hat at Wal-Mart several months ago on clearance thinking it would never be worn, but I bought it anyway.. Thank goodness I did.. Her teachers told me when I went to pick her up that the hat and hair didn't last very long that day.. Oh well.... All that stress for nothing! She could've cared less! :o)

Olivia's First Soccer Game...

2010-09-06T15:39:00.005-05:00

I am getting REALLY behind on my posts so I thought I would sit down and do a quick one tonight. Saturday, the 28th of August was Olivia's first soccer game and she did really well. It was VERY hot that day and I figured she would be complaining of the heat, but she never did. Her team lost 4-6 (I think), but they all did good. Olivia gets the ball and can guide it really well with her feet where she wants it to go, but she is still reluctant to just rare back and kick it. She kinda sits back and stays out of the crowd fighting for the ball, then if it pops out of the crowd, she's got it.Her uncle Jay has worked with her some this week so we are hoping to see a more of an aggressive side of Olivia next game :o) (Oh, I must mention, at one point during the game, Olivia came running by her daddy and I, with two thumbs up, grinning ear to ear. It was sooooo funny. She had no idea where that ball was at the time. I love her to death I'm telling ya! Lots of people came to cheer her team on and her mom was the loudest one there I think :o) I love sports!!

Olivia with her teammate & friend Kalia..Cutie pies!

Olivia & Kalia again. (Pre-game pics)

Olivia & her cousin Kloe

The team: From left ~ Sebastian, Luke, Dyson, Kloe, Livie & Kalia

The team again

Our baby!!

Olivia & Dyson. They both volunteered to be the first ones to sit out. What team sports they are!!!!

Go Olivia!!! KICK IT!!!!!!!!

Not a very good picture, but I had to put it on here because I didn't take that many pictures because I was so into the game. No time for pictures, I had to be screaming ;o)

An official "update" on the Jones'.......

2010-08-19T08:27:00.007-05:00

Let's see... Where to start. Well, Miss Olivia turned 4 this summer and she is just changing in sooo many ways. She seems so grown up these days. We have gotten in a really bad habit this summer. Little Miss Olivia has gotten to where she comes to bed with us EVERY night and falls asleep snuggled up to my armpit (laying on my arm)... I love it!!! I do not have the heart to make her go to her bed. I know she needs to, but I can't. I enjoy this as much as she does, so I will just keep doing it until she's too big to do it I guess. So, we just let her go to sleep and then we take her to her room :o) She learning "some" independence that way :o)

About Livie ~ her seizures have gotten SOOOO much better.. Thank God! We really don't have any episodes during the day anymore, but we still have some minor jerks at night. We are NEVER up all night anymore, she just has trouble falling asleep sometimes. Nothing major. The neurologist actually told us on our last visit that 80 or 85% of kids who are diagnosed with this form of epilepsy when they are young, outgrow it. We shall see. Thank God for answered prayer though. She doesn't suffer anything like she did when it all started, and sometimes she doesn't at all. Very strange. Our next appointment is in a couple of weeks. Gum has something to do with it. I am not sure what, but there is just something about gum. We shall see. Mothers instinct. Mark my words!!!

Olivia has quit gymnastics. She got to where she wouldn't stay, so I just let her quit. She wasn't enjoying it too much. Not sure what happened there, but she said she just didn't like it. :o( Oh well.

Her favorite color is purple and her favorite food is spaghetti.. If you fix this child spaghetti, she will eat two HUGE plates of it.. LOVES it... She eats more than I do. So we have spaghetti here like once a week at least. :o)

She started back to school this week at Westwood and she absolutely loves it. Miss Amy & Miss Ashley are her teachers and she just jumps out of my arms in the mornings and she is gone before I can tell her bye. I love it. That school has been phenomenal and I can't say enough good things about it.

She started soccer this year and she's not sure about that yet. Hobie Stewart is her coach and I am his assistant. I will let you know in a couple of weeks how that goes. We went to the first practice last Monday night and Olivia did so good practicing by herself, but when they all got out there and started fighting for that one ball, Olivia fell back and just looked around like "Why in the world are we all fighting & kicking each other for this stupid ball?" It was soooooo funny. You teach them until this point to share and be nice, then when they get out there to play soccer, you tell them to fight for the ball and "kick it".. She was soooo confused at this point :o) Her friend Kalia (from church), her cousin Kloe & her friend Dyson (from school) are all on her team. We were so excited. There are 6 on a team, 3 girls & 3 boys. Just precious. I have waited for these days for so long.

Olivia has started asking me whose belly she grew in.. :o( I tell her some sweet lady from China and she is content with that (for now).. I am waiting for the hard questions to come up.. Olivia is so full of life and so happy.. I love her smile and everything about this kid. God could not have paired all of us together any better than He did. I am happier than I have ever been in my life.

Oh, and I must mention that my child is ADDICTED to the Sprout channel (77)!!!! Her aunt Jen introduced us to the Sprout channel several months ago, and she LOVES it. She knows how to get the TV to channel 77 herself. Her favorite show on Sprout is Caillou or Dragontails. Everytime Caillou comes on, she screams really loud "Momma, Caillou is on!!!!!" I love it. I do not know how I missed these channels for so long. Routine I guess. I am bad about that :o) I love routine!!

About Mom and Dad~ Well, Jason is still in a supervisors postition at Wal~Mart and has since started the P90X (workout program). This program is a kicker!!! Very very hard. I am so proud of him. He has done it everyday for 2 weeks and I could already tell a difference. He had to stop this week though because he fell down the stairs at our house and has possibly broke some ribs, we will see. (Thats' another story). He is in some pain though. I hope to start it up in a couple of days though, or start back up when he does, we'll see.

I have decided to quit nursing school and pursue my career at Lowe's. I just couldn't do the nursing (for several different reasons), but I am very content at Lowe's. There are some possible opportunities for me at Lowe's that I just can't pass up and I love working there, so that is where I shall stay. I have retail in my blood!!!!!!!! :o) I also have the fever for a new car and I already have it picked out. The Pilot!!! I love that vehicle. The new one that is, not the old on. But, that will be a while. Not sure I want a car payment at this time. We shall see. Maybe the fever will pass.

I have also gotten BIG time into couponing. Oh my goodness at the money we save and the stock of stuff we have at home. We are saving sooooo much money. It upsets me that I didn't do this before and think about all the money I've wasted. I have another class on it Saturday.. I told you I was in it BIG time. I love it. I am addicted to it I think. So is Jason. We went to Kroger last week and bought a TON of stuff, I am not kidding, a ton, and only spent $50... You wouldn't beleive it. Anyway....

Well, I have to go for now. I have to go get ready to pick up the pictures I ordered from Demetria Hale that I got in trouble for ordering. I spent way too much money. Oops!! :o) I made the mistake of placing my order online and leaving the receipt on the computer desk & Jason found it & held it up & said "Are you serious???" in a very loud voice!! Teehee!! I can't help it!

I will leave you with some pictures of Olivia's soccer practice Monday night. They aren't really good pics because it was getting dark, but I still had to post them. I hope to update with vaction pictures from the summer very soon.

Our baby! (whom is growing up very fast I might add)

Handsome Hagen (Coaches son & helper) I think Olivia has a crush on Hagen by the way. They "chat" a lot at soccer & church :-)So sweet.. I love it.

Sweet Kalia (Hagen's sister, coaches daughter & Livie's bud)

Hagen giving Olivia some pointers before practice starts :o)

Cutie Dyson (Livie's friend from school)

Kalia again (I just liked this picture)

The team!!!!

"Coach Hobie"

No hands Livie, no hands!!!!

Didn't get many pics of the other kids because I got most of the individual shots before practice. I will try and get some of the others next Monday. Toodles!!

Nurse Olivia

2010-08-18T16:01:00.004-05:00

Just a few pictures of Olivia in her nurse's outfit that her Aunt Deana, Uncle Mike and cousins Evan & Aaron got her for her birthday in July. Thanks guys!! I love this child!!!! I have so much to share these days and sooo many updates to do, and sooooo little time. I will try to get on that ASAP.. But for now, enjoy the cuteness!!!!

Charlie

2010-08-04T17:07:00.004-05:00

Olivia's cousin Charlie has officially started playing football this year and he is sooooo very excited. He came to the house right after he first got his uniform and had to show it to us. We are so excited for him & can't wait to watch him play. You know your aunt Tanya will be in the stands screaming and cheering and embarassing you to death. :o) We love you bud. GO CHARLIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here are some more pictures......

2010-07-24T06:53:00.006-05:00

Demetria posted some more of Olivia's pictures last night. I don't know how I am ever gonna pick!!! I only posted a few of my favs...Demetria, you are awesome gal!

Hope is Fading......

2010-07-20T07:31:00.004-05:00

I saw this video on a friends blog who is currently in the process of trying to adopt and I got chill bumps and just cried my eyes out. I think maybe it's because God has been talking to my husband & I a lot lately about adopting another child & some situations have come up that we are having to think about it, but this just broke my heart. I hope you don't mind that I borrowed this Heather. Grab some tissues! You will have to scroll to the bottom and silence the music box ~ (Just click the big circle)

Hope is Fading from Allan Rosenow on Vimeo.

Cutest Kid Contest ~ Photo Session Sneek Peek

2010-07-18T17:20:00.006-05:00

Back in March, I entered Olivia into a contest on facebook called "The Cutest Kid Contest" held by Demetria Hale Photography. Olivia won second place and we won some free pictures & a free photo shoot. Here is what Demetria posted after the contest was over.

So yesterday we had her photo session and she did soooo good. She would even stop at random places and say "Hey, take my picture here." Sooo funny. Then Demetria got out the tutu and she thought she was something special. She just started working it... I loved it. There are times when she seems sooo very shy, and times when she thinks she is all that. It was scorching HOT, but she was a trooper. (So was Demetria :o) Thanks Demetria for the contest, free photo session and pictures. I hope your business is a huge success. I will leave you now with a sneak peek of Demetria's fantastic work and our precious baby girl. There are more to come. She took almost 300 pictures!! Yippee!!!! I can't wait.

Olivia's finding ad.....(one more memory post for today)

2010-07-17T16:42:00.003-05:00

Here is Olivia's finding ad in the newspapers in China. Here is what "we were told" it says:

Ad # 1729
Lian Ai Sen
A girl
On July 20, 2006 she was found at the gate of Jishui Hospital, Lianjiang City. She was dressed in a white flowered shirt. She was a newborn baby, and has black hair. She has a red dot on the right side of her face.
Claim unit: Lianjiang City Welfare Institute

Pictures of Olivia's orphanage

2010-07-17T15:06:00.012-05:00

Some really good friends of ours (Patrick, Aleisa & Maya Lily Dunn) who adopted their baby girl when we adopted Olivia, were recently able to travel back to China and visit the orphange where the girls lived the first few months of their lives. I will cherish these photos forever. Thank you for this gift.....

The baby building at the Lianjiang SWI
Our girls lived on the third floor of this building from 2006 to May 15th 2007!

Another picture of the SWI

We are on the wall! Our group photo plus--The Jones Family, The Batdorff Family and the Ginn Family gotcha day photos were all on display in the SWI reception office. It was great seeing these pictures. (We are middle row, second from the right)

Mr. Huang ~ the director of the Lianjiang SWI (and the Dunn family)

The same nannies are still there! These are the same ladies who cared for Olivia and the other girls in 2006-2007. They are currently caring for more than 30 babies. (Boy, they look like a bundle of joy don't they :-)

Another picture of the nannies with Aleisa & Maya. We love you guys! Thanks for all the information!

The photo on the wall just outside the baby room. Unfortunately they were not allowed to take photos in the baby room. Just imagine 30 cribs each one approximately 2 feet-by 4 feet--no mattress--just a wooden plank to lay on. :o(

Outside the gate of the Lianjiang SWI--many babies are often left here. Olivia was found at the gate of Jishui Hospital, Lianjiang City. She was dressed in a white flowered shirt.

The following was sent to me from Aleisa Dunn on June 16th and I thought I would share. (I also wanted to make sure this made it into Olivia's book) Thanks again Dunn family. We love you and hope to see you soon.

From Aleisa:
So we finally got a chance to go and visit where are daughters are from! It was very emotional for me.
They had our groups photo on the wall of the reception hall--and a few other family photos from the group--the girls were so little then.
The director--gave us Maya's file and in it was a picture of her at about three months old--younger than then her finding ad photo. I cried when I saw it--it was so precious--they let us keep it! They then showed us the babies room. It was on the second floor. Our girls lived on the third floor--but it has since been turned in the clinic--since they do not have as many babies as they did when the girls were there.
In the room there were about 30 cribs--each one the same size (2x4) with metal bars and a wooden plank. No mattresses. :o( (This breaks my heart)
The babies were all wearing similar tank tops and had cloth diapers on. All of their heads were shaved--to prevent lice--so it was hard to tell which ones were boys and which ones were girls!
There were several babies with cleft palates. One baby had birthmarks all over his body and one baby had no fingers on her hand.
Overall the babies looked well--it broke my heart thought that we couldn't take all of them home with us.
We then drove out to Gaoqiao--the town where Maya and Lexi were found. It was about 1.5 hours away and extremely rural. The level of poverty was extremely high--but the folks we met in the shopping district and at the hospital were so kind and friendly.
I hope that you all get the chance to go and visit the SWI someday--it really made an impression on me and I feel like I have a better understanding of where Maya came from and how strong she is.
Our daughters are survivors!!! I know we have all been blessed.
Love to you all.
Aleisa, Patrick and Maya Lily

"Our Little Miracle" turns 4 ~ and my camera's batteries die!!!! :o(

2010-07-15T16:42:00.033-05:00

This year we had Olivia's birthday party at the Jungle Jym and then we left there and walked over to the Gilley Pool for a cool down (which was much needed after the intense heat at the Jungle Jym) I can't tell you how many times our little red-faced Olivia came up to me and said, "Mom, I am ready to go to the pool!" Bless it! At any rate, the theme this year was "My Little Pony". (which was surprising seeing as how we seldom watch this) I figured she would pick Tinkerbell or Strawberry Shortcake, but she picked "My Little Pony". We had pizza, chips and dip, cookies & some yummy cake. She got LOTS & LOTS of presents (that I did not get pictures of because my camera's batteries died as soon as I got everything set up. I didn't even get a picture of all the guests. Every now and then I would turn it on and get a shot, then it would die again. I gave up. I hope to be getting some pics from family soon) We had a great time and we are grateful for each and every one of you that came & made this day special for her. (We missed those of you who couldn't make it) A great big THANK YOU to all of you. Our baby is growing up soooo fast :o( Right now she is in such a super sweet stage and I love it. I hope we stay as close as we are now. Happy 4th birthday my angel!!!!!

Olivia's "My Little Pony" cake

Olivia's "My Little Pony" cupcakes (Yes, I know they're not pretty, but they tasted good!) My Little Pony cakes were not easy to come by ;o)

The pinata

Olivia's pony cookies. Paula Wanamaker at http://cookiesbypaula.blogspot.com/ made these cookies for Livie's party and they were a hit!! Everybody LOVED them. I can not tell you how many times people asked me, "Tanya, who made these cookies?" They were DEE~LIGHTFUL!! Thank you Paula! (By the way, if you are wondering why one of those cookies say Sally and Tanya, it's because Sally found out Paula was making cookies for the party and she told me to save her one. She loves Paula's cookies. So, Paula made one especially for her. Now isn't that sweet!)

Olivia & her friend Aleah

Livie and Aleah again

And again... Off to play at the Jungle Jym.

Sweet, sweet Charlie. (Olivia's cousin)~ Model material! (When those little teeth come in, of course ;o)

Olivia & her cousin Rylan (her role model)

Here she is folks: SALLY!! Teehee!!!

My daddy and my stepmom Patsy (Olivia's "Nana Nana")

Pa, Nana and cousin Evan :o)

Another picture of the Jones' ~ Pa, Nana, Deana, Evan, Aaron & Livie's daddy!

From Left: Dyson, Layne, Sandy, April, Brooke, Rylan and Erica

Precious kiddos!!! Carly, Olivia, Aleah and Charlie

And this is all the pictures I got before everyone got there & the real excitement began :o( Hopefully we will have more to post soon.

Two Words ~ GOOF OFF!!!!

2010-07-10T07:09:00.005-05:00

Everyone who owns a home MUST have this stuff. I have yet to find something it did NOT get up. It dissolved Olivia's silly putty in her carpet immediately. (Although it has left some serious fumes in the house that I am concerned will give us some kind of brain damage), but other than that, a MUST HAVE :o)

Summer Days......

2010-06-22T19:17:00.007-05:00

One day last week Olivia, Madison and I went to the Gilley Pool here in town and had soooo much fun. There were so many people there, I had a hard time getting a picture of Madison (Olivia's cousin). Sorry Mady ;-( You know we love you though. Anyway, we had a fabulous time and there were LOTS of people there. Olivia is doing great in the water this year and this is the first time we have "officially" been swimming this summer. After the pool, we went and signed up for soccer.. Olivia is soooo excited about soccer. She has talked about it for so long. She keeps asking me "Momma, what are you gonna do when I am out there playing soccer?" I tell her "I am going to scream really loud, GO OLIVIA, GO!"..She just grins..(For those of you who don't know me, I am a screamer. I will embarass her daddy to death I'm sure ;-) (She watches and hears me screaming for her cousins Rylan and Charlie and it tickles her to death).. Anyway, here are some pictures of our fun day.

Hot Stuff!!!!! Teeheee!!! She is soooo very sassy these days... I love her.

"I'm not so sure about this!!"

Weeeeee!!!!!

Livie

I love this picture. I never thought I would see the day that Olivia actually "played" in the water. She has always been terrified...We have made such progress.

Courtney, Olivia and Harley.

Olivia swimming.

Camden & Olivia

Our silly, silly girl!!!

She was SOOOOO tired at the end of this day....

The Greatest Feeling in the World!!!!!!

2010-06-21T19:30:00.002-05:00

So this morning I was holding Olivia , those little brown arms wrapped around my neck, she says with the most sincere & gentle voice "Momma, you are the bestest momma EVER!". I have never felt so much warmth run all over my body. Those words meant more to me than she will EVER know. She ALWAYS says she loves me & stuff, but this was from the heart, I could tell. She was soooo serious. I love her soooooo much. I, of course, know I am not the best mom ever, but it is sure nice to hear those words from her. Thank you God for this MIRACLE..

"I'm getting old"

2010-06-09T07:33:00.006-05:00

We are having a somewhat small issue with Olivia these days. First let me start off by saying that both of Jason's grandmothers passed away this past year. One passed in Novemeber (Meme) & one passed away this past May ("Mother"). They are missed dearly & we love them both very much.

So, Monday night I was in the bathroom taking my make-up off (with assistance from Olivia as usual ;-) and Olivia points to a spot on my leg that looks like a bruise and says "Momma, what happened to your leg right here?" I said "Oh honey, those are just spider veins." Olivia asks, "Mom, what are spider veins?" I said "Well that's what happens to you when you start getting old. 'I'm getting old' sweetheart." Yeah, well that did it. She got terribly upset. She said "But mom, I don't want you to get old!" (Starting to cry).. Pitiful. She then said "But who is gonna take care of me when you go to heaven. I don't want you to leave me & go to heaven." This went on for 15 minutes or more before I got her calmed down. Then, her daddy told me she even came downstairs & started talking to him about it. Meme & Mother's death affected her more than we thought. So after I thought we got this issue resolved, I took her to gymnastics on Tuesday, and she would not stay. She started just crying and holding those little arms up screaming "No momma, don't leave me here!", and would not let me leave her. I had to take her with me. (She's been taking gymnastics for months) Then found out that on the very same day during nap time at Nana Nana's (my stepmom), Olivia started crying for me again. Nana Nana had to hold & rock her. :-( This is totally out of character for her. She is associating "getting old" with "dying". It's so sad!! She is soooo worried to let me out of her sight. Same night, I had left the Lowe's phone in my vest and needed to go to work and get the phone out of my locker. I was going to just run to town and right back home so I didn't want to have to get Olivia ready. I was going to leave her with her daddy and come right back home. NOT A CHANCE!! She ran chasing me outside screaming and crying.. We had seperation issues before this, (because of her past, of course) and this has just intensified it. I feel so sorry for her. I don't want her to have to live with this fear and I'm not sure how to handle it or make her understand I'm not leaving her (unless God feels I need to :-) I guess I will just pray daily for God to put some kind of peace in her heart and let her know her daddy & I will ALWAYS be here for this sweet baby. I hope things get better though, because it is REALLY hard leaving her when she is so upset like she has been. It ruins the whole day!! She still talks about Meme and Mother daily.

Olivia's 2009 ~2010 "Report Card"

2010-06-02T11:48:00.007-05:00

I almost forgot to post her "report card" for the 2009 ~ 2010 school year. We are soooo proud of Olivia and how far she has come. (Especially after everything she has been through & then this past year with the onset of her seizures). We have one tough cookie on our hands. We love you baby girl & we are so proud of you.

Looks like we will be working on our months of the year, the shape of a square & skipping everywhere we go this summer! :-)

Olivia's Last Day of School 2009 ~ 2010

2010-06-02T10:13:00.006-05:00

Well, the 2009-2010 school year is out at Westwood Day School, and I have to say, we had a fabulous year. That school is just awesome & we love it there. Olivia's teachers were Miss Tina & Miss Glenda and she loves them soooo much. They are two of the best teachers I have ever met. We are going to miss them like crazy! They had their end of the year party this year at Rock Island Park. They said their party is usually at the Jungle Jym, but it was booked this year when they tried to make reservations, thus Rock Island. Here are some pictures of their last day with Miss Tina & Miss Glenda.. We love you guys bunches & we will miss you like crazy!

Here is Olivia at the volleyball net practicing her volleyball skills already ;-)

Ewwwwww!!! Sand!!!!!

Love, love this picture of Olivia & her daddy.

Livie

Not sure if it was panties or the sand. Either way, I am going to be in trouble for this picture when she gets older. Teehee...

Olivia & Lauren on the slides

Daddy helping Olivia on the monkey bars

Daddy helping Olivia's friend Aleah on the monkey bars

Olivia (again) on the monkey bars.

FRIENDS!!! I love this picture! By the way, look at their bottoms from going down the slides. Gotta love it.

Aleah, Olivia & Jera anxiously awaiting lunch..

Miss Tina & Miss Glenda just announced that they had some goodies for the kids. The kids were soooo excited.

Sweet "Miss Tina"

Sweet "Miss Glenda"

Here is Miss Glenda giving Olivia her goodies from Miss Tina, Miss Glenda & Miss Ashley. So sweet.

Here is a picture of "SOME" of her class ~ Say "CHEESE" guys...

Here is the same picture, but if you'll notice they are all laughing, Miss Tina said "Okay, say BOOGERS!" They all got tickled & just started laughing. So cute.

A Visit with Pa's Goats..

2010-06-01T14:33:00.008-05:00

Olivia, her daddy & I went up to Pa's house the other day to see his goats. Olivia loves those goats. Most of them were scared of her though, and would run off before she could touch them. Ticked her off! :-) Here's some cute pics though.

This little goat was relaxing in a bucket. So stinkin cute.

Oh please, no bugs! ;-)

Happy Birthday Charlie!

2010-05-27T16:02:00.008-05:00

Here are some pictures from Charlie's birthday party last weekend. Charlie is my nephew (Olivia's cousin). Hope you had a wonderful birthday bud. We love you bunches & your party was a blast!

Charlie's Spongebob cake

The castle jumper my sister rented. They loved this thing.

Kloe, Jason & Olivia

Uncle Ryan getting the pinata ready & some of the children anxiously awaiting.

Olivia, Rylan & Kloe

Sweet baby Drew (Olivia's cousin)

Now we're ready!!! Charlie got first swing on the pinata.

Cousins~ Madison & Olivia ;-)

Olivia & Kloe playing Tarzan on the castle.. So cute.

Look out everybody!!!! Here comes uncle Jason!!!! (Notice my sister Kim pulling Kloe out of the way) Teehee

Go Olivia!!

Charlie opening some gifts.

Daddy & Olivia ~ Awww!!

Layne, April, Paige & Patsy (my stepmom :-)

Mea & Colton

Lynette & Wiggy

The "Birthday Boy"

"I think I'll just hold it"

2010-05-22T18:50:00.005-05:00

Yes, she is sound asleep. I woke up one day last week & went into Olivia's room to check on her, (like I do every morning), and this is how I found her. Scared me at first until I heard her snoring. I guess she decided she could "hold it" afterall ;-)Teehee!

Here's another funny one for ya. One night last week, Jason & I were sound asleep (and I "THOUGHT" Olivia was), and I hear Olivia quietly screaming "Mommy, my fingers stuck"! I got up out of bed (and out of a dead sleep) to see what in the world was going on, and Olivia was standing up in her room (while she was supposed to be sleeping) and had stuck her finger in a hole in her lamp that my grandmother gave her (too hard to explain) & had gotten it stuck in there. And when I say stuck, I mean stuck!! We had to break out the baby oil and work her finger out of the hole.It was funny the next morning, but I was so ill the night it happened. I remember asking her "Olivia, why in the world are we prying your finger out of a hole in your lamp with baby oil while you were supposed to be sleeping?" Her response: "I don't know." KIDS!!! I love it!

"Summer Girls"

2010-05-20T11:36:00.007-05:00

Two posts in 2 days!! Wooo Hoooo! I'm on a roll!

Here are some pictures of Olivia's, Jenna's & Victoria's birthday party at school last Monday. Their birthday's fall in the summer time, so the teachers let them celebrate their birthday's at school before school let out for the summer, so as to not leave anyone out. The other kids get to celebrate their birthday's during the school year at snack time or lunch time, but Olivia's, Jenna's & Victoria's are all in July when school is out. I thought it was great of the teachers to think of them too. Westwood School has been just fantastic & we love it there. The teachers told us that the kids were sick of cupcakes & just weren't eating them very well anymore, so we decided pizza & popsicles and it was a BIG hit. They loved it. They couldn't wait for the popsicles!!! Miss Tina & Miss Glenda also gave them kisses & a book for their birthday. So sweet!!

Livie ~ Birthday Girl 1

Victoria ~ Birthday Girl 2

Jenna ~ Birthday Girl 3

Fixing to pray before lunch

Blowing out her candle

Dibrell Pageant

2010-05-19T18:00:00.012-05:00

Well, I broke down & let Olivia enter another pageant. The first pageant she was in was the one at the fair 2 years ago. (Our very first blog post I think) She won in her age group (24-30 mon). I was content. She, on the other hand, was not. She talks about pageants all the time & walking around onstage in a pretty dress because she LOVED the first one she was in. I have ignored it (because I am just not the pageant type person), but I finally started feeling bad about it & entered her into another one. We entered the Dibrell pageant about 2 weeks ago and she won again!! Yippeee!! (There were 7 contestants ;-) Anyway, she had fun and that is all that matters. Before they went onstage, we were told that the parents could go onstage with the girls if we wanted to since they didn't get to practice & they were only 3 years in age. I asked Olivia if she wanted me to go up there with her, & she said "No, I want to go by myself". I was shocked. Afterall, I didn't want her to go up there & make a fool of herself, BUT, this is what SHE wanted and it was HER night, so I let her do what she wanted. It was all about the fun anyway, not winning. So, she got up there and strutted her stuff, didn't walk all the way across the stage like she was supposed to (though I don't think any of them did), then went off. I was sooooo proud of her. Then, they brought the group back out and she stood there waving oh so beautifully, and THEN she decided to plop down in my lap. I about died.. I said "Girl, what are you doing??? Get up!" She grinned and jumped up... Oh my!!! I was laughing hysterically then. Anyway, we had fun. Her daddy, Nanna and Pa brought her roses & her Aunt Erica, Rylan & Charlie went out to eat with us afterwards (in a tornado warning I might add!) An overall fun time. By the way, I must also mention (so that she will have this in her book when she gets older), I only paid $5.89 for your dress!! Teeheee.. I love ebay!!! I also did your hair. Heather, Kalia's mom, sprayed in the glitter. I was sooo proud of you this night baby girl! You are starting to show independence!

Olivia & her friend Kalia backstage before the pageant started.

Here are Olivia & some of the girls telling stories before the pageant started. We were trying to come up with ideas to keep them occupied until it started.

Here is Olivia watching the storms roll in before the pageant started. There were some really bad storms this night. This was the night of the historic floods in TN.

I love this picture! They are lined along a wall waiting to go onstage.

Olivia onstage ( with the group & before she decided to plop down into my lap ;-)... Thank you to Rick Dixon for getting these pictures. I got the camera from Jason just before the pageant started so I could get backstage pictures, then I was never able to get the camera back to him before she went onstage. THANK YOU RICK AND KENNETTE!!! (Daddy did get it on film though. Yay!! Go daddy! ;-)

Olivia & her friend Kalia with their trophies ;-) Her friend Kalia got 2nd place!! Yay Kalia!

1st, 2nd & 3rd place.. Yay! Go girls!

And again......

Olivia's First Camping Trip.....

2010-05-10T16:33:00.009-05:00

Back in April, Jason, Olivia & I went camping at Rock Island with some family for a week. We had the best time! It was the first time Olivia had ever been camping and she had a blast. Ticks were HORRIBLE when we went, but Livie & I never seen the first one on us; her daddy did though. He found 2 on him and so did most of the rest of the family. I loathe ticks!! One of my worst fears.. Anyway, an overall wonderful and relaxing trip. Sorry about all the pictures, but as usual, I took A TON!! (By the way, for those of you who went, I will post all of them on fb when I get a chance so you can tag them) I have MANY, MANY updates to catch up on, so I will be doing several posts the next couple of weeks. Things around here have been really busy.Hope to update soon & hope everyone is having a fabulous spring!

Livie & Aunt Betty smelling the flowers that were starting to bloom on our trip

Brooke, Shelby, Layne, Hope & Rylan (Olivia's cousins) ~ Minus Olivia ~ she doesn't do heights ;-)

Hope, Layne & Rylan (cousins)

Daddy on the "Big Rocks"

Livie again ;-)

Good thing aunt Erica was on this trip. She had to take Olivia in the water. I just couldn't do it. I can't handle the funk in the water. Makes me sick to my stomach. No lie people.

See, look at it. I took this picture to prove it to her when she gets older. Ewwww!!! That is one thing I just can not do. If you click on this picture, you'll get a good look at the nastiness! Yuck!

Just another cute pic

Another picture of the crew ~ Minus Olivia~ She wouldn't go up there.

My two favorite people!! I love this picture of them!

The Gang ~ Pic # 1

The Gang ~ Pic # 2 (Never did get everyone in a picture. Oh well, too many of us)

Livie

Livie & her daddy.... So sweet..

So when Jason & I pulled up to OUR campsite the day we arrived to camp, this little sign was hanging on our number. My sister Erica had surprised us with it!! She knew I wanted it & that I wouldn't buy it for myself, so she bought it for me. I love her sooo much.:-)

Our home for a week at Rock Island (And our new camper! We are so excited!)

Livie taking it easy & sipping on a Capri~Sun

Layne, Olivia, Shelbie & Brady

Our girl!!!

Picture of me (Olivia took) playing dodgeball! We had SO much doing this. (Except for Olivia's cousin Layne, who ended up with stitches. :-(

Rylan, Paige, Madison, Olivia & Charlie taking it easy in the hammock! Cutie pies! (Please don't be mad at me Paige.. I think it's cute!)

Olivia's First Boat Ride...

2010-04-19T10:01:00.004-05:00

So last week my daddy called & wanted us to go on a boat ride with him (and do a "little" fishing ;-), so we did. Jason didn't get to go because he had to work, but Olivia & I did, and so did her cousin Paige. It was really fun. I didn't get to take many pictures though because Olivia was scared to death at first, then she started liking it. She sat between my legs in my seat & held on to my thighs for dear life. ;-) The first time we took off, she started screaming, "Stop this boat. I want off right now!" Bless it.. I made her stay on it ( I know, mean mommy) and she ended up really liking it. I had to keep her face covered with a blanket when we were riding though because she didn't like the wind in her face, but she was doing some serious fishing (and coloring ;-) while the boat was stopped. (She even yelled at her Pepaw at one point when he started the boat to "Wait a minute Pepaw, wait till my mommy gets my blanket!!") Sooo funny! I bet people were wondering why there was someone riding in our boat with a blanket on their head. Teehee! Her Pepaw & Nana Nana hooked her up with a Princess fishing pole and it was soooo cute watching her TRY to throw that pole out there and TRYING to catch a fish. I think if she would have actually caught one, she would have thrown that pole overboard. Everytime her Pepaw would catch a fish, he would try to get her to reel it in, but she wouldn't. It freaked her out a little I think. She did feel of the fish & got to learn what the term "slimey" meant. Overall, a GREAT day & new experience for our baby girl! Fun days, fun days!!! Maybe I will get more pictues on the next ride.

Pepaw doing what he does best!!!!!

Olivia & her cousin Paige. Sweet girls.

Just some scenery we got to see on the boat ride that day.. Loving life!!!

Just some spring fun & pics....

2010-04-02T11:00:00.010-05:00

Olivia & I played outside for a little while this morning before the crazy weekend gets started. Lots to do before we leave Sunday afternoon for a camping trip. We are going camping with family and will be gone for a week. We can not wait! I don't know what it is about a camping trip that is so very peaceful. I am sure I will have LOTS of pictures when I get home. Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend. ;-) Happy Easter!!!

Olivia playing with her sidewalk chalk

Making a rainbow

Jumping on her trampoline

Hey batter batter, hey batter, batter!!

The Bradford Pear tree (I think ;-)

Our cherry trees

The first bloom on our weeping peach tree. I love this tree....

Look What I Won!!!! 8-)

2010-03-30T17:28:00.009-05:00

I won this necklace & bracelet playing Keno with some friends from church last night & I love it. I had actually been wanting something similar (from Reminisce Heirlooms) & just don't spend $ on myself the way I used to, so I was excited. Anyway, the buttercups were picked by Olivia & I this afternoon. She & I had a fun afternoon together. I love her!

Livie admiring the flowers she picked.

Tabetha, did you make these? They were purchased at Et Cetera.

Cheerleading Clinic ~ 2010

2010-03-28T20:00:00.009-05:00

First of all, I am having some issues with my blog. My navbar has been jacked up and my header picture has been messed up. Am I the only one with this problem these days? This is my fix for now (although I think I may like it like this, we'll see)

Here are some pictures of Olivia at Cheerleading Clinic last week. I think she was still just a bit too young for cheerleading clinic, but she & her friend Kalia from church wanted to do it, so we let them. I hate to tell her "no" if she wants to do (or try) something. So we did it. Day 3, she didn't want to go back!!! Teeheee!!!! Then I debated whether I should let her just quit at something like that, but I DID, because I think she was too young to begin with. She had fun, but by day 2, she was shooting me dirty looks because she couldn't learn the dance (like it was MY fault ;-) Anyway, we had fun... I was kinda sad though. She is growing up WAY too fast.

And by the way, a big thank you to Mallory & Hannah, I think this is their jersey we borrowed at their house after a swim party one night. So glad we were rude & never returned it ;-) Love you girls!

FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM DAY ~ Olivia & Kalia

She's getting excited here about something

Look who ended up in the teachers lap!!!

Doing some stretching!!

(A little blurry I know, but I couldn't resist putting it on here)

"Little Sally Walker, walking down the street" ~ (You had to be there ;-)

CRAZY DAY ~ Olivia & Kalia

Livie's Been Cooking Again.....

2010-03-11T08:40:00.002-06:00

This is what I found when I opened the freezer... Heeheee!!! I just love her!!!!

God's Heart: Adoption

2010-03-10T16:26:00.004-06:00

You will have to scroll to the bottom of the page and pause my music box.

Happy Referral Day Angel!!!

2010-03-07T09:12:00.005-06:00

Just want to wish our precious Olivia a Happy Referral Day.. Three years ago today we got the phone call about our precious baby girl. I remember running (literally) out of work and driving to Murfreesboro to get our pictures and information. I stared at those pictures for HOURS that day taking in everything I could about her. We love you angel!! More than you will EVER know....

THEN.......

NOW......

Update on the Jones family....

2010-02-27T07:36:00.009-06:00

First of all, let me just say, if you haven't seen the movie WHITEOUT, you are NOT missing a thing. We rented it last night and it wasn't any good. (At least we didn't think so). Don't waste your money, rent something else. :-)

Well, things in the Jones household have been very busy to say the least. Since my last update on Olivia's gymnastics, we have since started gymnastics at Tressie's here in McMinnville and she really likes it. We were on Tressie's waiting list and ended up getting in quicker than originally anticipated. She liked it in Cookeville, but she gets A LOT more one on one here in McMinnville, and that's just what Olivia likes :-) Teehee. It is easier and better for us too. It is $10 cheaper, we don't have to drive to Cookeville every Monday and I can sit in the car and study for an hour while Olivia is in gymnastics. So,,, better for us all around. The only thing I don't like is that Tressie doesn't let the parents stay and watch so I don't really know if Olivia is progressing or even enjoying it, but I do understand why she does it. I'm sure if Livie doesn't like it, she will tell me eventually! :-)

The next thing I want to talk about is kinda personal, but I want to put it in here because I feel like it needs to be shared to show just how God works in our lives, and I also want it to be in Olivia's book when I have her blog printed out into a book. So, here goes........
A couple of weeks ago Olivia & I had a momma/daughter day and she and I went to Murfreesboro to do a little shopping. We were in Target and had been laughing and trying on flip-flops and different shoes and then she jumped on the end of the buggy and said "Mom, are you my mommy?" Well, I wasn't sure she was actually asking me what she said, because sometimes it comes out different for kids, so I said, "Do what honey?" She said "Are you my mommy?" This time to give ME time to get my thoughts together I say, "Now what sweetheart?" This time with a tad bit of anger in her voice she says "I SAID, are YOU my mommy?" Then I answer "Of course I am your mommy Olivia, let's go talk about this in the car." So, I then grab my cellphone (hyperventilating), and call her daddy, who is across the street at work. I was panicking, this was totally unexpected at 3 years of age. I called Jason crying (or whimpering because I didn't want her to see me upset), and he told me to come and get him and we went to Fazoli's for lunch and talked to Olivia. To make a long story short, we explained to her that we would ALWAYS be her mommy & daddy but that she was from China and we adopted her when she was a little baby. She really didn't want any details, (too young)she just needed to know if we were her mom and dad. And what is soooo weird about all this, she seems soooo much closer to us now, than she ever was before. It's like she has had this doubt or wall up the whole time and now that she asked us what she wanted or needed to know, her walls are down and she is so much closer to us and is bonding to us sooo close. You can just FEEL her love. Really weird.. The part of this story too that is really special, is that any other day, Olivia and I would have been home somewhere in McMinnville. I think God knew we all needed to be together for that talk and how weird that we were in Murfreesboro , ACROSS THE STREET from where her daddy works when it all came about. You can not tell me God does not play a major part in our lives. This is not coincidence. Again, like I always say and live by, "everything happens for a reason". I have to admit, I did not know that it would hurt sooooo bad to admit this all to her, (because I feel like we ARE her biological parents, I really do), but it has brought us all even closer.I should have seen it coming though because like yesterday, we were all at Cato's shopping, and some little boy (5 years) comes up to Jason, Olivia and I and says "Your little girl is different than you isn't she?" I know this little boy doesn't know any better, but I just wanna take her and run... What is SHE thinking & what is going through HER little mind ya know??? She never said anything, she just looked at him. Also, a couple of weeks before she asked if I was her mommy, she was asking if babies grow in your belly. I should have started preparing then, but I just thought she was seeing friends and family who are pregnant and trying to understand how babies got into the picture. Anyway, we knew all this would happen, I guess I just thought I was tougher than what I am and that I would not let it bother me, but it does. I am not as tough as originally thought though! :o)

On another note, (whew, it's been a long time since I have updated :-), I had to withdraw from the nursing program last fall due to Olivia's medical issues (seizures). She didn't get any worse, they still mainly happen at bedtime, but my mind was soooo occupied with her and trying to see that she got well, that nursing was the last thing from my mind. I just couldn't keep the grades, nor was it important for me to. She was all I could focus on. It was (and still is) a bit depressing, but I am back up and ready to go.. I have applied again for next fall and I am praying that I get in. I did finish one nursing class and got an A in it, so I will not have to take that class next fall. I thought that was really nice of them to let me do that. So,,,, I will let ya know in April if I made it.

I guess I will stop for now with the Jones updates... I have LOTS more I could discuss, but I will save them for the next post... Toodles.

I will leave you with some pics of our silly Olivia I took the other day. I just LOVE her!!! I could squeeze her guts out!!! Teeheee! Have a great weekend!!

Silly, silly girl..... Love her!!!!!

Always Kiss Me Goodnight.....

2010-02-26T17:48:00.007-06:00

I found this nifty little gadget at Kohl's and thought I would try it, and I LOVE it. I have seen it at friends houses, but I have never tried it for myself. It was just what our room needed. I don't have any special talents and I'm not crafty, but I was able to stick this thing to the wall and peel it off and make our room a little more cozy. Yay!! I am really excited about it, can ya tell? Ha! :-)

I am going to be trying next week to do better about updates. Sorry it's been so long.

Have I mentioned how much Olivia is loving her puppy??

2010-01-26T06:19:00.002-06:00

Soooo funny.. Poor Bentley!

I just love giveaways!!!

2010-01-22T16:21:00.006-06:00

I just wanted to post a picture of canvas #1 of 4 that I was lucky enough to win on Brandie's blog at Dream Custom Artwork about a week or so ago. I just absolutely love it!!! Brandie does a fabulous job and is one fabulous person. Go check her out!! She told me she already has ideas for my spring canvas... Sooo excited and can't wait. (By the way, sorry about the nasty glare :-)Thanks again Brandie!!! I loved the giveaway!

Introducing Mr. Bentley....

2010-01-21T12:52:00.007-06:00

Here is the newest addition to the Jones family. His name is Bentley. Jason and I have been really hesitant about getting a puppy for the house, but Olivia really wanted one & we felt like she needed a companion, so we gave in. He is a 10 wk old Shih~tzu and he is just precious. When we went to pick out a puppy, Jason and I spotted this adorable little brown puppy, but Olivia's heart was set on Bentley, and afterall, it was HER puppy, so we let her pick him out and we are glad we did. He has been wonderful. He has been here since early afternoon yesterday, and we have only had one accident (that I blame myself for.) Anyway, he didn't bark or whine last night, and is soooo playful. Here is a funny story for ya too. Today I walked into the living room to find Olivia holding Bentley by his front paws, swinging him around in circles through the air dancing with him!!! I about passed out!! I am surprised his legs didn't come off. He is so TINY!!! I will have to supervise a little more carefully from now on.

By the way, if you are wondering what is wrong with Olivia's eyes, she has the pink eye. She woke up last night crying with her eye hurting and then when she got up this morning, the left eye was swollen almost shut.. Bless it! She is home from school with me today. The reddish/brown mark on her nose,,, that's fingernail polish!! :-)

Nice outfit huh?? We are just lounging around the house today :-) She is gonna kill me when she gets older and sees this picture. Teehee!!

Olivia's First Day of Gymnastics..

2010-01-12T08:12:00.008-06:00

So yesterday was Olivia's first day of gymnastics and she loved it. I guess I will be investing in some leotards. I didn't want to buy any until I was sure she was gonna like it and she did. One thing she DID NOT like was the slide. They have a big slide there that is closed in and Olivia has NEVER liked those things. (Nope, not even the one at McDonald's). Anyway, when it was time to jump in the balls and climb the steps and go up to the slide, she looked at me and started crying (or tearing up I should say). Bless it. Our friend Angie that we went with told me that as soon as we got there, she looked at her and said, "I'm not going down that slide!" Hahahaha.. Too funny. Well, she didn't either! After gymnastics we went out to eat at Cracker Barrel (Olivia's favorite place to eat) and then came home. A wonderful day!

Learning the pike, tuck and straddle..

Started getting into it here..

This is our friend Miss Juliana!

Snow Days

2010-01-08T13:22:00.003-06:00

After lots of begging, I decided to break down and take Olivia out to play in the snow. I must admit, I love the outdoors, but I DO NOT like the outdoors when it is cold. As a matter of fact, I HATE it. But, I can't hold Olivia back from things she may like, so I sucked it up and took her outside. She was ready to come in before I was.. Teehee :-)

Christmas at my sisters...

2010-01-01T12:21:00.007-06:00

Here are a few pics from Christmas at my sister Erica's house on Tuesday.. Hope everyone is having a Happy New Year!!

Ryan & Erica (Ryan had the flu.. Poor guy :-()

My sister Kayla and her boyfriend Cannon ( I kept calling him the wrong name. I kept calling him Kane) Isn't that awful? I was so embarassed! That is me though. Sorry Kay Kay :-)

The BABIES!!! Rylan, Charlie, Olivia and Pugsley!!

Mom opening her Vera Bradley purse!!

Charlie opening his gift from us. I forgot what that thing is called. Some kind of remote control helicopter.

Mom opening her Vera Bradley wallet

Livie opening one of her gifts from Erica

Rylan opening her jeans we got her from Justice!! (Her favorite place to shop!)

Olivia and Rylan enjoying Charlie's Christmas present. She absolutely LOVED his four-wheeler!! That's all she wanted to do all day!

A Must See!!!!

2009-12-30T19:41:00.006-06:00

Me, Olivia, my mom, my sister, and cousins Rylan and Charlie went to see this movie one night last week and it was so stinkin cute!! Olivia loved it and laughed throughout the whole movie (And to tell the truth, I think I liked it as much or more than she did!) Too cute. A must see for the little ones! :-)

If I had to pick just three......

2009-12-28T13:48:00.004-06:00

If I had to pick just 3 of Olivia's favorite presents this year, it would be her four wheeler from Santa, her guitar from Nana and Pa, and her ballerina outfit from Aunt Cindy and Uncle Rick. She had one wonderful Christmas this year and we still have one more tomorrow. Santa also bought her a stand-up microphone that has the disco lights on it and she dresses up in her ballerina outfit and gets her guitar and just jams out!! It is sooo funny!! I am very thankful this year for our blessings, but this Christmas has not come without its trials and tribulations. Not anything I am ready to talk about now, but trying to stay strong in my faith to stay strong for my family. I hope you all have had a wonderful holiday. I will try for a "REAL" update soon.

Olivia and her Nana

Uncle Rick & Aunt Cindy

Here she is getting down.. This is hands down her favorite I think.

Just a sweet picture of Olivia & her cousin Hayden Christmas morning.

Merry Christmas Blog Friends!!

2009-12-24T07:32:00.007-06:00

Luke 2:9-12

And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. (10) And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. (11) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (12) And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas! Merry Christmas blog friends!

Thank You!!!

2009-12-21T12:46:00.006-06:00

Just wanted to send a quick shout out to my friend Brandie at Dream Custom Artwork and tell her thank you for the beautiful snowman canvas she made for me! We are loving it!!

Liv's School Christmas Party..

2009-12-20T16:04:00.008-06:00

Here are some pictures from Olivia's Christmas party at school on Thursday. I can't even begin to express how thankful I am to God for this little miracle in our life. She and her daddy are the light of my life. I am so looking forward to Christmas this year as I have SO much to be thankful for. Wonderful days, wonderful days....... By the way,,, GO TITANS!!!!!!

They made Christmas ornaments at the party.

Making a candy cane Christmas ornament

Painting her heart Christmas ornament (her favorite)

This little reindeer just showed up in all the kids cubbies at school Thursday morning. We think Santa left it for them.

Snack time!

Our day with Santa and the Sharks....

2009-12-19T10:00:00.005-06:00

Well, I decided I would do a quick post today since I have been neglecting my blog here lately. Things have been VERY busy around the Jones household these days (as I am sure is the same for everyone). Last week Olivia and I went with my sister Erica, and her cousins Rylan and Charlie to the Opry Mills Aquarium restaurant to see Santa swimming with the sharks and fish. It was fun. Olivia had a lot of questions for me though. She said "Mom, how does he get in there?" and "Well, mom, how did he get here?" and wondering where his reindeer were, etc.... Sooo sweet.. After we watched Santa swim with the sharks and ate our lunch, we went to pet the stingrays. Olivia would have nothing to do with those things. She liked looking, but she wasn't about to touch them. After petting the stingrays, we did some Christmas shopping. A fun-filled day I would say...

DORI......

Santa Clause!!!!!

This one particular stingray kept coming over to us and almost jumping the side to get some loving from Rylan and Charlie. It was too funny.

Here he comes again!!

Sneak Peek!

2009-11-24T07:32:00.019-06:00

Here is a sneak peek of a couple of pictures that Chandi from Chanikki Imagery took of Olivia and her cousins on Sunday afternoon. I am so excited. I am loving them already. I can't wait to see all of them. She said they should be done today.. Wooo Hooo! Go check out her blog. She does a fabulous job! Thank you Chandi!

I have to say, this is one of my favs!

I really like this one of Charlie too.

A GIVEAWAY!!!!!!

2009-11-10T14:16:00.007-06:00

ChaNikki Imagery at http://chanikkiimagery.blogspot.com is having a photo contest. You pick your favorite Christmas photo, send it to chanikkiimagery@yahoo.com and tell them why it is your favorite photograph or why the photograph is so important to you. That's it! 1st place winner gets a $20.00 gift certificate... Yay!!! Go on over and check it out! They make some fabulous pictures!

Halloween ~ 2009

2009-11-03T11:23:00.007-06:00

Olivia at her school party

Olivia and her friend Jera playing wand war I believe :-)

And I just couldn't resist putting this picture on here. I may get in trouble, but Jason's dad surprised everyone when he came out dressed as a woman... Too funny. Olivia wasn't so sure about him. I thought he was cute! :-)

Fire Truck Day at School..

2009-10-28T17:06:00.002-05:00

Today was fire truck day at school and Olivia is fascinated with fire trucks for some reason. I was wondering if she would be nervous or intimidated when she actually got up close to the truck, but one of her teachers told me she went right up in the truck. I wish her dad & I had been there. :-( She has also been singing "Stop, drop and roll, if fire's on your clothes, stop, drop and roll."Too cute... I love it. Again, I love her school.

On another note, we have been getting all these magazines and ads in the mail with stores advertising their toys and sales and Olivia has been looking at them for days making sure to let us know everything she wants. She is so excited about Christmas this year. Last year she was really scared of Santa Clause so I asked her if she was going to tell Santa this year what she wanted. She stated ,"No, I am just going to write him a check." (She means letter, ( I think :-) I am not sure why she keeps saying check) Too funny!! So, needless to say, she is still scared of Santa...

Just some cute pics.....

2009-10-25T13:40:00.003-05:00

Just thought I would do a quick post of some pics I took of Olivia before church this morning..:-) I hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed week!

Help!!!!!!

2009-10-22T17:52:00.004-05:00

I need help!! I NEED a Tinker Bell sleeping bag bad!!! If you happen to run across one, or know where I can get one, PLEASE let me know. I have not been able to find one anywhere, even the internet is out of stock on every site I go to. This must be one hot item these days and I didn't even know it. All I know is that Olivia is dying to have one for Christmas. If you ask her what she wants for Christmas, she says "I want a Tinker Bell bed momma". (She is actually referring to a sleeping bag to take to school. It took me a while to figure that out). Anyway,,, please, please if you know or hear of where I can purchase one, please let me know... Thank you oh so much.

UPDATE: We have found one!!! Yay!!! Wooo Hooo!!!!!

Whining and Venting....(Sorry)

2009-10-16T02:53:00.010-05:00

So, it's 2:54 a.m. and I am unable to sleep because of the impending stress that I see ahead of me in the next 6~8 weeks of nursing school so I thought I would get up and update Olivia's blog and run on the treadmill to relieve some stress.

School is going great. I love nursing school, although my grades are not where I would like them to be. That is something I am really having to learn to deal with. It makes you really question your confidence. The teachers told us to trust them, and that there was some reasoning to their madness, but man, it really hurts to study, study, study and not get that A... It makes you sick really! But, we'll see how it goes. I can also be honest and say I do not study like I should. I am struggling in this area because I want to spend my time with Jason and Olivia when I get home from school in the afternoons. Plain and simple. My heart looks back to three years ago when I would have done anything in this world to have my baby here, and now that she's here, all I want to do is be with her. I want to be the mommy I had always dreamed of, and I am not going to be able to do this the next 2 years and it is breaking my heart. I know people tell me that I am setting an example for her and being a role model for her, but all I can think about is the fact that I may not get these years back. (And oh, how I am loving these years :-) At any rate, I will do it. I will just continue to cry over my homework and wipe my snotty nose and show her how strong her mommy can be. I also know that this will benefit her in years to come. She is dealing quite well with my going to school, although she does have her moments. She started Westwood school when I started school and she loves it. I will tell you, they have been phenomenal. We love that place. She looks forward to going to school everyday. She also hasn't been as sick this year as she was last year, although she has been sick now for about 4 weeks. Let me just tell you about that too while I am at it!!! :-)

About 4 weeks ago Olivia started getting sick with what appeared to be a head cold or allergies. She had no fever and appeared to be fine except for the scratchy voice, super snotty nose and watery eyes. This continued for 2 WEEKS with my giving her allergy and cold meds with no success. So, after 2 weeks I decided she had suffered enough and figured she had ear infections or "sinus infection". Welp, took her to the doctor and because she had no flipping fever, the doctor wouldn't give her any meds. I was so ill. I know my child. My gosh, it has been two weeks people. Anyway, we went home and she got really sick over that weekend (last weekend, with a fever I might add!). I took her back this week and when they checked her this time, she had a fever, VERY swollen lymph nodes and one major sinus infection. He said her poor nose was swollen on the inside with white puss all in it. Isn't that pitiful??? Now see, had they just listened to mom, things would not have progressed to this. GRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!! All this went on for about 4 weeks. The two weeks of what I thought was allergies or sinus, then the week the doctors thought allergies and I thought sinus or ear infection, now the week they FINALLY figure it out.. Poor girl. She is finally on the road to recovery though. Whew!! I am still a little ill about the whole thing though, can ya tell???

So I will leave you with some pictures from our day at the pumpkin patch with Olivia's school. Sorry if this post was all negative and whiney, I don't usually like to be that way, but that is where I am this morning. I hope everyone has a Happy Halloween. I probably won't post again until then, (unless I get sad or mad about something else :-) Otherwise, I don't think I will have time.

Miss LeAnne and Miss Ashley

Miss Glenda and Miss Tina

Olivia and Victoria

Here is Jera trying to reassure Olivia that is was okay to go through the hay maze. It didn't work. Olivia wouldn't go through.

Olivia and Jera

Looking all grown up in this picture for some reason:-(

"Hold me daddy, hold me!!" Jason and I did discover on this trip that we hold Olivia a lot more than we should. Most of the kids wanted to walk around where Olivia wanted to be held a lot!! So spoiled..

Funny pics...

2009-10-09T20:07:00.005-05:00

Just a couple of funny pics I took on my phone.

Here she is trying on daddy's shirt. Teehee..

Rylan's Birthday Party.....

2009-10-03T07:13:00.007-05:00

Yesterday was Rylan's birthday party. (My niece) We had soooo much fun.. It was a Halloween themed birthday/slumber party. They were going to camp out in tents in the backyard, but it was too cold last night, so they stayed in the house. Livie and I also left before the decorating and painting of the pumpkins. We just can't hang anymore. Here are some pics from our fun night. We love you Rylan Faith!

The birthday girl and her pinata

Olivia taking her turn at the pinata

Livie and Charlie

Rylan taking her turn at the pinata

Rylan blowing out the candles on her birthday cake. Happy birthday sweet girl!

Awwwwww!!!

Charlie, Olivia and Hope

Olivia in the sandbox of all places. It's not like she doesn't have one of these at home.

The gang!!

Rylan and Liv being silly

Rylan's cake. She also had some cute cupcakes that I forgot to get a picture of.

More Black Eye Pictures

2009-09-28T19:51:00.003-05:00

Day 2 ~ Eating goldfish

Day 3 ~ I just thought these pictures were cute because she was so dirty from playing outside. Her daddy was calling her "Pigpen".

Isn't this pitiful??? Our first shiner...

2009-09-26T13:15:00.008-05:00

I don't know if you can really tell from the pictures, but Miss Olivia has her first official black eye. She and her cousin Hayden were at his house jumping on the bed (we think) and this is the end result.. Scared me to death. It was really swollen last night, but today it's starting to turn that nice shade of black and gone down a bit. Pitiful...

Here are a few pics from our week at the fair.I have more pictures on my phone that I wanted to post, but I am not sure how to do that. If someone wants to volunteer that information, that would be great for future reference. I am really dumb when it comes to technology.

Olivia and Hayden at a food booth at the fair, anxiously waiting to go ride rides!!

Olivia, Nana, Hayden and Pa. How sweet..

Olivia and Hayden on the motorcycles.

Okay, Olivia LOVED these little pigs.. Particularly the black ones. All we have heard about since the fair is that she wants a black pig. We went to see them everytime we went to the fair.

Here are Olivia and her cousin Hayden looking at the pigs.

Olivia and her beautiful cousin Hope. Hope was in the Little Miss pageant at the fair. She made it to the top 20 (or 30) or something like that and there were 80 something little girls in it. Anyway, we are proud of her. She was beautiful!

Olivia and Hayden riding the cars.

Me, Olivia and Hayden on the train.

Update:
Since Tonya told me how to get my pictures on here, I thought I would add some more pics of Olivia and her other cousin Charlie. Thank you Tonya! Love ya bunches.

How sweet!!!

Our sweet baby!

Charlie and Olivia on the teacups. I was so proud of Olivia this year. She rode everything there was for her to ride on. Her daddy was thrilled...

Trident Watermelon Twist

2009-09-05T12:20:00.005-05:00

I am really starting to wonder these days if gum is addictive. (Particularly Trident's Watermelon Twist Gum). Olivia is ADDICTED to it. No joke. From the moment she wakes, until it is time for bed, she is asking for this gum. We have even started purchasing this gum in the 3 pack packages. We have been known to go through one pack in one day (that is of course with her getting in my purse and sneaking pieces without my knowing it). At any rate, this is something that is going to have to be looked into. I have NEVER seen a human love gum the way our child does.

On another note, has anyone ever had someone to e-mail them wanting to advertise on their blog? Some traveling agency from Asia (I think) has e-mailed me wanted to advertise on my blog. Strange????? I, of course, will not do it because I am only doing this blog for purposes for Olivia when she gets older, (like turning my blog into a book like The Cutest Blog on the Block has), but I did find it rather odd.

First week of nursing school went well. I am officially overwhelmed, but it hasn't been too hard yet. I am very thankful for my 3 day weekend though.. 14 1/2 weeks to go!!! Wooo Hoooo!!!

Growing up already...

2009-08-30T04:52:00.005-05:00

Yes, it is 4:52 a.m. and I have been up since 3:00 a.m. reading. Guess what I am reading??? That's right, nursing stuff!!!! We had orientation last Wednesday, and they gave us 8 chapters to read before Monday's first class (and more if we want to be over achievers). This is going to be 4 CRAZY months!! Which leads to me to my next subject ~ Olivia

I am afraid I will not get to post very much after tomorrow, so I wanted to do a post today. Saturday was a major day for the Jones family. Friday night (or Saturday morning around 2 or 3 a.m.), I heard what I thought was Jason in the bathroom using the potty. Then, I noticed some heavy breathing beside me and quickly realized it wasn't him, it was Olivia!! So, I laid there waiting on her to hollar at me for help, when she quickly ran back to her room and went to bed! How sad! She got up on her own, went to bathroom and then went back to bed. She just turned 3!! She has NEVER done this. She has always screamed for me to come get her and take her to potty and then take her back to bed! It took Jason and I a while to go back to sleep after this. THEN ~ Saturday afternoon (SAME DAY), I was in the bathroom getting ready to go to Foodland and her daddy was downstairs playing his Xbox, and I kept thinking "Boy, Olivia is being awful quiet today." (You see, she is usually in the bathroom talking my head off as I get ready. I just ASSUMED she was downstairs talking daddy's head off :-) Well, her daddy came in the bathroom and said, "When did you lay Olivia down?" Well, guess what, she had put herself down for her nap!!!!! Unbelievable..THEN, (not anything really big), she decided she could swing herself on the swings while we were outside playing Saturday afternoon! Ugh!!! What in the world happened to her Friday night??? Growing up already!!!!! How freaking sad!!!!

Fair Season

2009-08-23T11:41:00.011-05:00

Friday night we went to the Wilson County Fair with some friends.. That fair is sooooo fun and there is SO much there for kids. I recommend everyone go if they can and they like to do that kind of stuff. We had a wonderful time and the weather was just perfect. (Although, I do think Olivia caught a cold there, as she is now sick), but we had a blast and we are thinking about going back one day this week if we can work it in. We didn't get to see it all.

Speaking of being sick, this morning Olivia said ~ "Mommy, will you pray to Jesus for me to feel better?"

Mom ~ "Of course I will Olivia." ( I say a prayer with Olivia)

Olivia ~ "Mommy, now I am going to buy you a prize!!"

I love it... She is sooo funny and she is already SO faithful in the Lord and knows he can help her. I think her faith comes from the fact that when she started having the seizures (that are pretty much gone for the most part), we would hold hands and pray together for the Lord to help her and be with her and keep her strong. And that is just exactly what He did... Thank you God for answered (and unanswered) prayers!! I don't know where we would be today without Him in our lives!

Olivia and her popcorn!

Our arrival.. The girls were so excited. Mallory, Hannah and Olivia

Mallory, Olivia and Hannah.

Olivia on the motorcycles...Yay!!

Liv and her daddy watching the pigs, goats and ducks race.

Livie and I on the carousel. She will not ride anywhere but the chairs, but this is progress for us.

Livie rode the pony!!! Woooo Hoooo!!! More progress!!!!!

Checking out the chickens.

Me and Liv riding the elephants.. Can you tell the sun was busting our eyes out?

The duck races..This was so cute. Ducks, pigs, pot belly pigs, and goats all raced. It was too cute.

Olivia cautiously petting the goats.

The girls waiting patiently on their dinner.

The sweet, stinky camel that Olivia WOULDN'T pet!

Hannah, Olivia and Mallory riding the Gators. This was probably her favorite.

And this little creature, (forgot what he's called), pooped all over our friend Jessica's arm...Lovely!

Word for the Day ~ EARS!!!!

2009-08-18T15:55:00.004-05:00

They must be studying body parts at school this week because she came home yesterday with feet stuff! Too cute!

School Days....

2009-08-18T08:18:00.006-05:00

Yesterday was Olivia's first official full day at school, and she LOVED it. I didn't get to take pictures yesterday morning because we were in high gear all morning. I couldn't get up for some reason yesterday. So, I took some pictures this morning. Besides, she wouldn't have made a very good picture yesterday anyway, because she cried all morning before we left, wanting to stay home. Then, when we pulled up in the parking lot at school, she said "Mom, where's the playground?" I pointed it out to her and she grinned really big and said "I'm so excited!!" Little stinker.. She had me all stressed out about dropping her off and then we pull in the parking lot and she got all excited. She didn't cry when I left either!! Yay!!!! I went and picked her up and she got in the car and said "Mom, I am so happy, I love my teachers!" Yay, go Mrs. Glenda and Mrs. Tina... That made my day!!!! Then, Olivia and I went to Dairy Queen and got an ice cream and came home and she spent the rest of the afternoon playing with her cousin Hayden.. She had a great day yesterday. (Except for falling off the bed last night)This morning, no tears!! Wooo Hoooo.. Although, she got really nervous when we got there and wouldn't let me go. Mrs. Glenda came and got her and she went right to her. Bless it!!!

I hope to have some pictures of her birthday party this weekend and some pictures of our trip to the Aquarium last week. I have been really bad about forgetting my camera lately! We even went to two birthday parties and a family reunion this past weekend and I forgot it both days!! :-( I think my mind is already in my nursing classes!!! Stress is starting to build already!!!!

Liv with her Dora lunchbox... She LOVES Dora!!

Olivia being her normal silly self!!

"Hurry with the pictures please!!!"

"It Makes a Difference to This One"...

2009-08-12T16:00:00.004-05:00

A rough storm came up one night and left a sandy beach strewn with starfish. The next morning, a child walked along the shore, stopping every few feet to pick up a starfish and flinging it out into the sea. An old man watched the child and finally shouted at him, "Why bother, son? There's too many starfish to make a difference!". With that, the boy picked up another starfish and looked at it intently before heaving it out into the sea. He then turned to the old man and said...
"It Makes A Difference To This One"...

Another update....

2009-08-10T16:22:00.013-05:00

I am officially CPR certified on adult, pediatric and infant CPR, know how to use an AED (automated external defibrillator), and know how to remove a foreign body airway obstruction (The Heimlech Maneuver:-) as of today!! Wooo Hooo!!! Now, I have my second orientation on the 26th and then classes officially start on the 31st.. I am getting SO very nervous, yet excited at the same time.... Olivia starts her first day of school tomorrow at Westwood. She goes for 3 hours (phase~in), and then her first official full day is next Monday. She is really excited too. Jason also started his new job today and won't be home until 6:00 tonight :-( This will take some getting used to. We are gonna miss him around here. A lot of changes in the Jones household these days! Anyway, I will leave you with some pictures I took of Olivia before church yesterday. (Good thing I thought about taking the pictures because she ripped the dress at church yesterday!:-(

I am so disappointed that these two didn't turn out. I am not sure what happened here. And, I would've taken more, but we were already tardy for church and I thought we better go on. Oh well! :-)

Our day with "The Martin's"

2009-08-04T15:06:00.012-05:00

Yesterday, Olivia and I went to Murfreesboro to spend the day with one of my best friends, Lori Rhea Martin, and to meet the new addition to their family, Miss Ansley Rhea Martin. She is just precious. We had such a good time. I only wish we lived in the same town so we could see each other more. Lee was actually home for a minute and I got to see him too :-) By the way, I think both of those babies look just like Lee!!! Anyway, I miss them so much. We had a wonderful time yesterday...Enjoy these pics from our fun day yesterday..

Olivia and Jared (not sure what they were doing here, dancing???)

BUSTED!!! Lori and I turned our heads for just a minute and Jared and Olivia had pulled some twigs out of a plant of Lori's and they were on her bed dancing to some CMT that was on TV.. So funny...

LUNCHTIME!!!!

Jared and Olivia running through the grass to play on the swing set. (That they did not play on long because it was so VERY hot)

Is this not the sweetest picture... They really loved on each other yesterday.. It was sooo sweet.

The beautiful Ansley Rhea Martin.... She looks just like Jared and Lee to me.

A pic of the kids painting (while Lori and I are on eggshells in the background) Paint is just so messy!

Another pic of Ansley

Here are Jared Lee and Olivia playing in Miss Ansley's bed...

Here they are pretending to be asleep (with little grins on their faces, too cute)

Just playing in Ansley's bed..

Olivia holding and bonding with Ansley Rhea

Miss Olivia and Mr. Jared Lee Martin

A picture of Lori and I that Olivia tried to take for us....(Oh well:-)

BLT's...

2009-08-04T03:15:00.007-05:00

Just a cute picture of Daddy and Olivia in their apron's making some BLT's for dinner last night..(and the other little cutie is Olivia's cousin Hayden) Gotta make good use of those home grown tomatoes this time of year.... Mmmm, mmmm........

Praise God!!!!

2009-08-02T18:14:00.003-05:00

Sorry I am a little late on updating, but we got the results of Olivia's MRI on Friday (wasn't expecting it until Monday), and all was normal!!! Yippee!!! We are sooooo happy.... So, the doctor has concluded that she is just having mild seizure activity and we are to continue on the seizure meds until her next appointment in October. Still don't know the cause (I think it has to do with the surgery, but what do I know), but things do seem to be getting better though. A special thank you to all of you who included Olivia in your prayers, e-mailed, or commented to us on our blog (or facebook).

Westwood had their open house today and Olivia is so excited about her new school. I was impressed. I think we are all gonna really love it there.

"Tink"

2009-07-30T04:25:00.007-05:00

So, Miss Olivia woke up at 2:30 this morning having "one of those nights" and just couldn't sleep so she decided she wanted to dress up in her Tinkerbell outfit.. We haven't had one of these nights in a while, so it was a bit depressing, but we'll be fine. So, when she asked if I would let her dress up in her Tink outfit, I was all for it. I knew it would bring smiles to our faces, and it did. I just love her. By the way, thanks Sally for the outfit!! What would we have done without it tonight???

Please remember Olivia in your prayers tonight. She goes for her MRI tomorrow and they are going to put her to sleep, and this just petrifies me. This is when all our trouble began in the first place (after her surgery). But, it must be done in order to try and figure out what is wrong with her..We just have to have faith that everything will go smoothly. The EEG came back somewhat normal on Monday. He said she didn't have any major episodes on the EEG, but there was more "generalized slowing" on the EEG than he would have liked to seen. (Whatever that means) He didn't seem too concerned and told me to keep her on the seizure meds and we would see what the MRI showed...I just feel in my gut it has something to do with the surgery. Mothers intuition!!!!! Please just remember her in your prayers... They are working!!!! I hope everyone has a wonderful day and weekend.....

An update on the Jones family

2009-07-24T05:15:00.004-05:00

This is a picture of the baby she got to pick out after her procedure yesterday..I told her if she would be brave and do good I would let her pick out a present after we left.. (She got one anyway, hint, hint! :-)

Isn't this pitiful??? Well, I guess it is time for an update on Olivia and what the Jones household has been up to here lately..

Olivia had surgery on May 12th (I think) to have a brachial cleft pit removed just below her clavicle, and an auricle pit removed at her ear. (Please see previous posts if you do not know what these are) At any rate, surgery went well and Olivia recovered remarkably! BUT, within the week, I noticed this weird jerking and rolling of her eyes when she was trying to go to sleep. Now, luckily, Miss Olivia has always loved her sleep, or I might have mistaken it for "fighting sleep"... But I quickly realized she was having mild seizures as she was drifting off to sleep. We are not sure yet what has caused them, but we are doing lots of tests right now to figure it out. Yesterday we had to go to Franklin to have her hooked up to an EEG machine to wear home and video her last night as she slept. It was not a pretty day, I must say.. She was VERY ticked at me... No lie. I was getting some mean Chinese looks. Anyway, we go today to have it all removed. Then, next Friday, they are doing an MRI at Vanderbilt. The good news is that they have showed up in early childhood, (which they say is a good sign and that it is very possible she will grow out of them). It is heartbreaking though to watch her go through this, although, I know it could be worse. I was VERY mad and upset about all this at first because Olivia has been through so much already, but we are relying on God to get us through and knowing there is a reason for it. It is the only way we can cope. She doesn't really have problems during the day, it is mostly at night when drifting off to sleep or when she wakes in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep. So sad....We have started seizure medication and it has helped, I guess we are just still praying for a miracle...She will be starting a new school (Westwood) in a few weeks and she is very excited, as are we. Whew, at any rate, that's what our Miss Olivia has been up to...

Me, well, I have been trying to take care of Miss Olivia, and getting stuff ready for nursing school and praying that we have this situation with Olivia resolved somewhat before school begins, because I will be honest, I do not think I can handle the stress of both. I am obsessed right now with Olivia, and I am really worried about school. At any rate, I have bought uniforms, had tuberculosis tests, physicals, tetanus shots, hepatitis shots, varicella titers, background checks, bought books, purchased liability insurance, signed up for my CPR course, drug screened, and the list goes on and on.... Sooooo very excited, yet soooo very nervous. Don't want to let anyone down (including myself!)

Now Jason, poor guy... He is working himself to death, but it has all paid off. He got a promotion last week at work and he is now a supervisor at work...Yay! Go baby go!!!

And that will conclude my post today.... I will try and get Olivia's birthday pics up soon... I hope everyone has a fabulous day!

Our vacation in the Smokies.......

2009-07-18T10:39:00.009-05:00

So, we left on Monday the 13th of July for Wilderness at the Park in the Smokies and came home yesterday (Fri)... We had soooo much fun. We went with my sister and her family. We take a vacation with them every year. I do not have a lot of pictures of the water at the Wilderness on here because a lot of my pictures include either me or Jason and I am not going to post pictures of me in a bathing suit on here :-),,, thus, not many Wilderness pics on here. At any rate, I did get a lot of other good pics. Also, for those of you who have asked :-), I have some pictures of Olivia's birthday party to post when I get the rest of the pics from friends and family.... Her party was last Saturday night at the Manchester pool outside and it was fun as well. We have had a busy week!!!

A picture of Olivia, Charlie and Rylan when we first got into our rooms at the Wilderness. They loved playing on this bunk....

Olivia and her Uncle Ryan sitting at the wave pool catching some rays....

Our sweet baby in her bikini....

Olivia going down the slides at the Wilderness...

Charlie doing a little surfing......

Olivia painting some pottery..This place was in the hotel where we stayed. The kids had so much fun doing this. Liv painted a ladybug.

Olivia and her cousin Rylan (Notice the orange mustache??? She had drank some orange Crush before we left and I could not get that mustache off! She wore it all night! Anybody know how to get that off for future reference?)

Another picture of Jason and I that Miss Olivia took....She hasn't mastered the zoom on the camera yet, she's still learning.....

Here is a picture of Charlie, Olivia and Rylan on the steps in the front of the hotel..

Me and Olivia riding the elephants at Dollywood. She got REALLY mad at me when I made the elephants go up and down...(Erica told me to do it.. I am blaming her!) Erica and Rylan are behind us...

Here we are on the lemon twist..(Me, Olivia and Rylan) I'm not sure why I am smiling like that.. I think we were acting silly as usual!!!

And here is our baby on the ducks, by herself, for the first time... I about cried.. She loved it... We rode these ducks, over and over.... She has come sooo far in 2 years.. She is still VERY cautious of everything though.

And here she is on the pigs (by herself again I might add).. We rode these piggies several times too...

Olivia trying really hard to watch Dad and Rylan play some shooting game at Dollywood...

Olivia taking a little cat nap at Dollywood while dad, Rylan and Charlie ride the Scrambler..

Jason, Rylan and Charlie getting ready to ride the scrambler (I think):-)

Uncle Ryan, Erica and Olivia waiting on Jason, Charlie and Rylan....

Olivia enjoying her lollipop at Dollywood......

An update......

2009-07-06T03:55:00.009-05:00

Well, Miss Olivia will be turning 3 this coming Sunday. Time is going SOOOO fast... It seems like it was only a few months ago that we got her. This little girl has brought so much joy and happiness into our life, so much she will never know. I always kid with her (well, I am not kidding, but she thinks it's hilarious) and tell her to come here, I need to talk to you.... Then, I take both of her hands in mine and look into her eyes and tell her "I love you so so much sweet girl!!" Well, at first, she told me the same thing back, now she just starts dying laughing and takes off running because I do it soooooo much... As soon as I tell her I need to talk to her, a grin comes across her face and she comes and puts her hands in mine to see if that's what I am going to say, or if she's in some kind of trouble. Too funny! I love her soooo much... We rented the outdoor Manchester pool for Saturday and she is so very excited...It's all she talks about (especially since we have been to 2 birthday parties within 1 week. It was supposed to be 3 parties, but we didn't make it to one of them) We have had one busy week (and summer).. I will leave you with some random pictures from our busy weekend.....

By the way, Happy Birthday to Jared Lee Martin!! We are sooo sorry we missed your birthday party Saturday!! We love you bunches and bunches....

This is my nephew Dyson fixing to blow out the candles on his Pokemon birthday cake Sunday afternoon. He is 6 years old this year! Happy Birthday sweet boy!

I absolutely adore this picture!! This is Olivia and her Peepaw being silly at Dyson's birthday party... Sooooo sweet!!!!!

Dyson patiently waiting to have his turn at the pinata...

Olivia having her turn at the pinata!!!

Olivia and sweet Camden!

Happy Birthday Dyson!!!!!

Saturday afternoon, my grandmother had a small July 4th/birthday party for Olivia and her cousin Rowan..Her birthday is the 12th of July, and his is the 11th. It was so sweet..She had horse shoes, jump ropes, teeball set, tennis set, bubbles, hula~hoops, etc all set up in the backyard when the kids got there... They had sooooo much fun! Thank you granny... We love you..

They LOVED the bubbles... Here is granny and Uncle Matt showing them all the MANY, MANY bubbles my grandmother purchased.....

Here is Olivia blowing bubbles in Rowan's face!! How nice!

Olivia enjoying that cake!

Rowan and his mom Morgan....

Olivia and Daddy sitting around our campfire. We built a campfire, roasted marshmallows and then shot off fireworks Friday night. Olivia was scared of the fireworks at the beginning, but she started liking them "somewhat" at the end..

Daddy's fire pit!!! We love it!!! (and the marshmallows!)

These are some pictures of me and daddy that Olivia took. She is getting good with the camera... I am pretty excited.. Me and Jason are going to start actually having pictures of ourselves!! Olivia is always wanting to take our picture.. Too sweet!

Our sweet baby girl at the campfire!!

Olivia and her cousin Shelbie McCormack.. Shelbie and her brother Brady had their birthday party at Hot Wheels Skate Center last week... It was super fun!!

Birthday boy Brady!!

Miss Olivia trying to skate... This didn't last very long at all... She has no patience...

And, there she goes, she is done......By the way, I do not normally dress this way at a birthday party, I had to leave and go play ball :-)

The Knoxville Zoo!!

2009-07-03T11:16:00.008-05:00

Wednesday, Jason, Olivia and I went to the Knoxville Zoo with Erica, Ryan, and Charlie. (Rylan is in North Carolina for the Young Scholars Institute) We had so much fun. We couldn't have picked a better day either. It wasn't TOO hot, and their wasn't that much humidity...After we got home, we ate dinner and dessert at Erica's house and then watched Wipeout for the first time. That show is pretty funny. I have never really been interested, but after I watched it for a minute, it was pretty funny. We had a wonderful day!! Here are some pics from our zoo trip!

2009-06-29T19:25:00.003-05:00

Just a few pictures of Olivia and her cousin Hayden fixing to go to Vacation Bible School last week with their Nana and Pa ...Sweet babies!

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T07:25:00.022-05:00

Happy Father's Day to one special Daddy!! Olivia is daddy's little girl for sure! She is anxiously awaiting his arrival everyday when he comes home from work and the first words out of her mouth in the mornings are "Is my daddy here?" We love you Jason! You are one super terrific daddy!! The Best!!!!!

Are you washed, in the blood????

2009-06-16T08:17:00.004-05:00

So, Olivia and I were in the car yesterday, leaving Nanna Nanna's house, listening to Alan Jackson's gospel CD with the song "Are you washed in the blood of the lamb?". So, we are just singing away, and Olivia starts shouting, "No, no momma.. we don't wash with blood, that's yuck!!!" Too funny!!! Bless it... I guess I better start paying more attention to what I am listening to, because obviously, she is!!!!!

By the way, if you like gospel music, if you don't already have this CD, you must purchase it. The Jones family loves it....

Happy 10th Anniversary!!!!!!

2009-06-04T07:26:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to say "Happy 10th Anniversary" to my sweet and precious husband Jason. He is the love of my life and my very best friend. He is also the best husband any woman could ever hope for. When we first decided to get married, I was planning the big, huge, monstrous wedding. Then, for some reason, I just changed my mind and we decided to go to the court house and get married. I don't regret it at all, I do wish sometimes though that we had done the big wedding so I would have the pictures, but we didn't. That is what I regret about my decision. But, my sister Erica took a bunch of pictures of us at the court house though. :-) I love you Jason Jones with all of my heart and soul. I could not have or want for a better life than the one I am living with you. You will always be the love of my life!!!!! Thank you for putting up with me for 10 long years :-)

This is a picture of us in front of the court house on June 4th, 1999. My, my how we change in just 10 years!!!!

This is just another old picture of us at the ball fields!!

Olivia, her Aunt Erica, Uncle Ryan & cousins Rylan and Charlie

2009-05-28T14:44:00.009-05:00

Just some random pictures... Not in any order... Sorry... I don't feel like arranging them!!! :-)

Olivia, Charlie and Rylan on the way to Charlie's kindergarten graduation.

My sister Erica, her husband Ryan, my beautiful niece Rylan and my proud and precious nephew Charlie..

Here is the proud graduate again........

Rylan, Olivia and Charlie chowing down on Memorial Day at Rock Island Park.

Olivia and her gorgeous cousin Rylan. If you will look closely in this picture, you will notice that Miss Olivia has on her nephew Charlie's clothes. It rained this day and the playground was soaked so Olivia therefore got soaked and couldn't handle it. She put on some of Charlie's clothes. She looked so cute in them too... Thanks Charlie.... We love you.

Olivia and Rylan misbehaving at Charlie's graduation!!!!!!

Olivia and her "Can't do no wrong" Aunt Erica at Charlie's graduation!!!!!!!! She loves her Aunt Eka!!!!!

Olivia's Uncle Ryan showing her how to ride a scooter on Memorial Day. Looks like she is really paying attention doesn't it? I would have taken more pictures, but it rained off and on all day and I got tired of fretting over my camera getting wet, so I put it up.....

"Look at my make~up mom"....

2009-05-22T09:49:00.005-05:00

So, I was sitting in the computer room at the computer desk writing in a card for my mom and getting some pictures together to send her, and Miss Olivia walks into the room and says "Look mom, look at my make~up!" Isn't she lovely????? I am forever trying to keep this child out of my make~up, but it just doesn't work. She even has her own, but it is just not as good as moms.. All I could do is just grin and tell her how beautiful she looked...Man I love her so much! We are having so much fun already this summer...More updates and pics to come soon when I have more time. Happy Memorial Weekend!!!!

Nana's Birthday/Mother's Day Party.....

2009-05-13T18:43:00.020-05:00

Last Sunday, the Jones family had a family get together at Uncle Mike's and Aunt Deana's house for Nana for her birthday/mother's day. Olivia had a blast. Aaron got out his disco lights and music and they had so much fun dancing. I got lots of cute pics. Nana even joined in on the dancing. What would we do without family???

Olivia with her Nana

Olivia with two of her best buds, Hayden and Jennie

Olivia showing us her gymnastic abilities

Livie dancing

Action Shot!!!!

Still dancing, looks like she's a natural....

Hayden and Livie dancing

Olivia and cousin Evan dancing

Still dancing.....

Aaron and Livie dancing

Livie and Aunt Deana dancing

Nana and Livie dancing

Liv and her Pa watching Nana open presents

Awww.... How sweet!!!

Surgery tomorrow....:-(

2009-05-11T07:43:00.009-05:00

Tomorrow is Olivia's surgery. Please remember our baby when you are saying your prayers today :-)

Also, this is an outfit we purchased from our friend Miss Isabella Motley on the Twirly Girl blog. Thank you Isabella.

Another Mother's Day Post

2009-05-10T19:05:00.005-05:00

Olivia and I before church this morning!!! I am one lucky mom!!